Graduation Day!!!

This Wednesday we celebrated the graduation of 31 CHE's (community health evangelists) and sent them into the community to continue the ministry and service that they started 4 months ago when CHE training began. I wish that all of you could have been there to witness the excitement on each face as they were called forward to receive their new Bible, official "CHE" badge (pictured above) and certificate. In order to share the experience, I have included some photos and short stories highlighting just a couple of particularly touching events...
Above is a photo of Sindiswa. Last year this time she was on her death bed-- literally. Sindiswa has AIDS and last year became extremely ill and was bedridden. A CHE in Philippi started visiting her and caring for some of her immediate physical and emotional needs. Soon, Sindiswa's health took an upward turn and before too long she was back on her feet. She attributes this miraculous healing to the power of God. Sindiswa felt inspired to pour back into the community by receiving CHE training and becoming a CHE herself. So, Wednesday's graduation was particularly meaningful to her as she went from helplessly dying to, now, helping others live.
Buyiswa, also HIV+, came forward in the middle of the graduation ceremony and recited a powerful poem called HIV, Don't be Proud. She had us all hold hands as she spoke beautiful verses of human strength and unity. She also spoke of the power of God and how His people can be stronger together than any virus or disease. At the end of each stanza she repeated the phrase, "HIV, don't be proud, HIV, don't be proud." It was an image of battle and the final theme conveyed is that human spirit will be victorious, even in the face of a deadly disease.
This is a photo of myself with a fellow staff member, Melinda (far right), along with four recent CHE graduates at the conclusion of the ceremony. I believe that the CHE's really left the graduation ceremony with a new sense of purpose and increased determination to continue making home visits and sharing what they have learned with those in need. The CHE's have really come to believe that they are capable of being the change that they want to see happen in the community. They now know that they really can make a difference--
It was fun to watch some of the plays and skits that were prepared for the ceremony. This little guy made his way to the front a couple of times during the ceremony. Dressed in traditional Xhosa clothes he added to the celebratory feel of the graduation and made it especially meaningful. We sang many Xhosa songs throughout the course of the event and a few times a woman would loudly sing a verse or chorus of a song while walking up to accept her certificate and awards.

Overall, the 2006 CHE graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion that was deeply impacting and served as a celebratory commissioning for those involved to go out and serve the community!

Praise Him!!!